FLATS, KLI to open new trail-head project

Trail-head project will be first sign of progress toward park trail within Kirksville city limits

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Kirksville Daily Express - Kirksville, MO

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Posted Jul. 10, 2013 at 10:15 AM
Updated Jul 10, 2013 at 10:16 AM

Posted Jul. 10, 2013 at 10:15 AM
Updated Jul 10, 2013 at 10:16 AM

Kirksville

Unseen through the forests and hills between Kirksville and Thousand Hills State Park, the hiking/biking trail project is getting closer.

And starting this fall, local groups will kick-start the local start of the hiking path, with the Kirksville Leadership Institute leading the effort to create a trailhead near Spur Pond in Kirksville.

"It's important to keep that momentum toward the downtown center because that's where we want to end up," said Janet Gremaud, with the KLI.

She was referring to momentum gained by successful funding and prospective completion of the first of three phases for the several-mile path. Eventually, supporters hope to have a fully-paved hiking/biking path from downtown Kirksville to the marina at Thousand Hills.

Gremaud and fellow KLI member Ted Frushour presented their update to the Kirksville Lakes, Parks and Recreation Department meeting Tuesday.

The group is set for a trailhead kickoff party Sept. 14 at Spur Pond with more details to be released.

The project will see a trailhead marker, noting the start of the Forest Lake Area Trails System, and other park-related improvements near the intersection of Osteopathy and Missouri streets. The prospective path is expected to snake its way to the west toward the park, as well as toward the downtown square.

"We don't know how much we'll be able to afford at the first stab on this project," Frushour said, "but we can raise enough to do the minimal part."

Work will include a retaining wall and sculpture taking up about two parking-spaces in space.

KLI is expected to get a design for the small park point to the City Council for its approval later this summer.